Councillors to consider vision for major redevelopment of Shrewsbury

The major proposals could completely re-shape the Riverside and Smithfield Road areas of Shrewsbury.

Shropshire Council's cabinet will be asked to consider launching a consultation on a ‘bold and ambitious’ vision for the site next week.

The proposals, which have not yet been released in detail, include a 'wider riverside walk', 'new parks, squares and a new Riverside bridge', according to a statement from the council.

The project is also considering what to do with Smithfield Road – one of Shrewsbury's busiest highways – as part of the redevelopment of the Riverside Shopping Centre, Raven Meadows, and the bus station.

The cabinet report on the plan says that it is considering "the relocation, and down-scaling, of Smithfield Road".

It also describes aspirations for the mixed-use development to be "an exemplar riverside parkland setting".

The cabinet will be asked to approve a public consultation on the 'strategic development framework' (SDF) for the four-hectare site on Monday, March 8.

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Steve Charmley, Shropshire Council’s Cabinet member for assets, economic growth and regeneration, said: “This is a really exciting document for the future of Shrewsbury, The Smithfield Riverside SDF is an ambitious but deliverable plan, that provides an opportunity to sustain and grow the future commercial viability of the town.

“This offers a once in a generation opportunity to create a place that people want to visit, and live, work and study in, through a bold, sensitive and sustainable mixed-use development. This has the potential to not only to transform this site, but to also act as a catalyst for the development and growth of the whole town centre.”

A statement from the council said the plan "considers the significant potential to create a cultural destination in this part of the town, unlock and improve open space, create a key green space, and better connect the area with other parts of Shrewsbury".

It proposes providing a "high-quality public realm along the wider riverside walk, and creating green links that provide enhanced access to The Quarry park".

The statement adds: "It’s intended that development of this area will sustain and enhance the economic, social and environmental performance of Shrewsbury town centre and increase its attractiveness to businesses, investors and developers, to residents, and to visitors, whether for leisure, tourism, culture or to work.

"The Riverside site is a key component of the Shrewsbury Big Town Plan Investable Masterplan. Its development has been made possible by Shropshire Council’s purchase of the Shrewsbury shopping centres in 2018."